manila fashion observer

Lip Care by Carmex

2012-02-22T11:57:00.003-08:00

Carmex has been a regular in my life since college. So hmmm, that's over 10 years now! Talk about loyal!

I remember my friend Xsa would bring me Carmex whenever she would travel to the States every summer break, and she never failed to remind me how she swears by it. She was so hooked, she got me hooked as well. Years after, even if I stray and try on other lip balms, I still keep on buying Carmex. Couldn't resist picking some up at Target or the corner drugstore every time, because at $1 each, hello, it's a no brainer!

So I just want to say a huge huge thanks to @CarmexPH for sending me a stash of Carmex products! Because really, when my lips are extra dry, nothing beats Carmex. I love its minty taste too. Kiehl's works as well, but it's not as tasty on the lips, hehehe!

I really love lip balms, I have like 3 at a time in my bag. Just a bit of advice, carry Carmex in your purse along with your other favorite balms. It's my serious dry lips fighter ;)

Get Carmex at:

- PCX outlets (Rob Plc Manila, Festival Mall, Rockwell, Alabang Town Center)
- first Aid in Greenbelt 3
- Robinson's Department Stores nationwide
- Landmark Department Stores (Makati and Trinoma)
- Shopwise Supermarkets
- Pure Beauty, Serendra (2nd floor)
- Boracay Budget Mart
- Suesh, Greenhills
- Red Dot, Laoag Ilocos Norte

FEED Bags Sale on AVA

2012-02-22T01:27:00.001-08:00

Whether you are a student, professional or entrepreneur, there is no easier way to show we are socially aware than buying a FEED bag. Starting last week until March 1, 2012, show you care by buying a FEED bag on AVA.ph!

Social entrepreneur Lauren Bush started FEED Projects in 2006, in order to help feed the hungry children of the world. Almost 400 million children around the world go to bed hungry every night. In fact, a child dies of hunger every five seconds. 65% of the world's hungry live in only 7 countries around the world. With every purchase of a FEED bag, you are ensured that you are contributing to the United Nations World Food Programme's School Feeding Program.

Let's help break this poverty cycle. Let's help FEED the children of the world one FEED bag at a time.

Not yet a member of AVA? Join HERE!

Get 20% OFF on Jeffrey Campbell Litas

2012-02-21T20:54:00.000-08:00

Who wants Jeffrey Campbell Litas at 20% OFF? (Ladies, instead of paying Php6k+ for JCs, you get them for Php5k+. No deposit required!)

Simply pre-order now until February 29 from Fashion Forum at SM, and with a little bit of waiting, you'll finally get the pair you want in any of the colors below:

Black Distressed

Grey Distressed

Navy Suede

Tan Suede

Taupe Suede

For sizing, details, and how to order, click on Fashion Forum's Facebook Page HERE!

Guys, You've Got Marni x H&M Goodies Too

2012-02-18T22:44:00.000-08:00

I actually would wear these clothes meant for you guys!

Fave Looks from the Marni x H&M Lookbook

2012-02-18T05:08:00.001-08:00

Here are my favorite looks for the girls, although guys, I gotta tell you, there's a lot of pieces to like on your end too! I haven't forgotten you! But first, here are my top picks from the collection:

Quintessentially Marni = socks + platforms

I love this dress! And the sandals!

The belted coat! One word. Volume.

I want this tee! And the sequined collar! Reminds me of this one...

What Sofia wore...

These flat sandals + socks, that collar again, and the cardigan w/ belt. The swimsuit is cute too.

If there was a like button on each piece, then I just liked everything!

This dressssssssss!

What Lou wore. Super cute. If I end up with only this top & the shorts, I think I'll be ok.

Want this tee too! And the pencil skirt!

The collection will be out in select stores worldwide on March 8. All photos courtesy of H&M.

Marni x H&M Launch

2012-02-18T02:38:00.000-08:00

Ha! Trust Sofia Coppola & Lou Doillon to choose the best pieces from the H&M x Marni Collection. Here they are as seen from the launch:

From what I've seen from the lookbook, I also want the t-shirts and the collar necklaces. The shoes don't look shabby either. Promising, very promising! Will show you more looks soon!

Pregnancy Style

2012-02-15T21:05:00.000-08:00

I have so many beauty related posts lined up, but before we go there, I just wanted to share that I have no urge to shop for clothes these days. But I am so enthralled with makeup, skincare and massages. To my fellow preggy ladies, do you feel the same?

Maybe I don't feel like shopping since I still fit into my shirts and tops, and just wear jeans, shorts and trousers that were bought a size too big. Since I buy a lot of my stuff online, I usually end up with pieces that are big for me, but since I am tamad to return sometimes, I just keep them anyway. They're not a lot, but these sure come in handy during times like these, hehe. So pregnancy style tip, just get bottoms that are a size/ a few sizes bigger than your usual. You can always belt the bottoms or wear them slung on your hip when you go back to your pre-pregnancy weight.

Anyhoo, I know the day will come when I would want to dress up. I thought I'd share with you this super cool line called Hatch Collection that I bookmarked way before I got pregnant with Dragon Dychiao. Hatch Collection is based out of New York and makes these maternity but not maternity looking clothes. Check these out!

I miss the days tuloy when I was walking around New York, pregnant with Berry. My daily dose of exercise was pounding the streets of SoHo, Madison Ave and Fifth Ave. Window shopping lang. Manila is not exactly the place for walking around, all layered like above, hehehe.

You know who else look cute while pregnant? Japanese women. Who apparently also frequent the Clarins Spa in Rustan's for pre-natal massage treatments. No wonder they get to keep their figure. I remember they would wear these loose linen or peasant style dresses. It's not my style, it's too cutesy for my taste, but they get away with it. Just check the Japanese magazines. They would wear these over jeans and pair it with clogs and layer it with long sleeved tees underneath. So cute!

I will research next what French women wear while pregnant. Now that is totally gonna rock my world.

Photos from Hatch Collection and Joe Browns

Baby Bag #2

2012-02-14T02:23:00.000-08:00

Remember this little girl, from this post?

Well, if I am not mistaken, she's all grown up now, and in a year, her style has evolved. More downtown with a beanie, leather leggings(?) and a baby Rocco. Possibly the most stylish toddler ever. I wonder what Suri's Burn Book has to say about Alexander Wang's niece Aila...

I've found a BFF for you Berry! Maybe you can be classmates at Parsons in 15 years!

Light Weight Vanity Kit from Dashe

2012-02-14T01:44:00.000-08:00

Before I continue on to my Maarte Mommy posts, I wanted to show you the lightweight vanity kit that Dashe Cosmetics sent me as well. This is so timely because I actually have my beauty products all over the place. The everyday ones in a Jo Malone perfume box, the special occasion ones (ie eye palette, etc) in a cosmetics pouch, lip glosses swimming in my bag. I had a fun time trying to organize my stuff here:

That's just the top part, it opens up like this, so you get about 4 compartments which I organized by cheeks/lips, and eyes:

Two compartments for face, hehe. Just Dr. Jart's BB Cream, SK-II foundation and powder, everyday sunblock from La Mer and heavy duty sunblock from VMV, plus a sample tube of Smashbox Photofinish primer:

The compartments further open up to reveal a deep space to store makeup brushes and bulkier pieces like eyelash curlers and such. I still have space for my nail polish collection, but since I don't really use those lately, I've decided to just store my usual beauty stuff.

I am a bit scared thought that I might be adding more stuff to my vanity kit. I just attended Studio SnR's Bobbi Brown makeup class last Saturday upon the invitation of Sydney Go and yikes! I have so many things I want to get from Bobbi Brown. It's hiyang to my skin, and now I realized I need more makeup in my super sparse arsenal, ahaha!

For price, inquiries, or more information about this lightweight cosmetic kit, visit Dashe on Multiply and Facebook!

17 Weeks

2012-02-14T01:01:00.000-08:00

shirt: A.P.C., shorts: J.Crew, velvet loafers: Pedder Red, belt: Marni

Wore this to my OB appointment. 17 weeks as of February 10! I am so excited! In 3 weeks we can find out our Little One's gender na!

Now that we are back in Manila, I super love being pregnant! Rustan's Beauty Source sent me Palmer's Cocoa Butter products, a brand I actually used when I was pregnant with Berry. Will show you the range that I have soon. I swear by it, I never got stretch marks when I was pregnant with Berry.

And thanks to my BFF Nina, I discovered the pre-natal massage treatment at Clarins Institut Spa in Rustan's Makati! So relaxing and perfect for pregnancy aches and pains, and of course, for toning and taking care of our bodies. Will tell you more about that too. I think a lot of pregnant moms, ok fine, pregnant & maarte moms like me will appreciate it as much as I did.

Will be back again soon! Wait lang!

Dashe Great!

2012-02-06T01:08:00.000-08:00

I really only ever started using makeup when I was in my 20s. Yes, I am a late bloomer. I know. After years of applying make-up using my fingers (barbaric, but that's just whipped foundation, cheek stain & lip gloss, and hey I made sure to wash my hands first), I decided it was time to buy makeup brushes. The only advice my mom ever gave me when it came to buying makeup brushes was to use ones made from sable, or real animal hair at least. She said, don't be afraid to splurge because you'll use it for years. Again, quality over quantity.

Now, I never really bothered to learn the technicalities as to why real hair is better, but as far as I know, they feel so much nicer on the skin vs. synthetics. And so, I bought my first makeup brush set, all of 7 pieces from Smashbox, at the ripe old age of 30. And only because first, I thought the houndstooth handles were pretty mod, plus yes, the bristles felt nice on the skin.

I was happily using Smashbox makeup brushes for 5 years until last year, when my Mom gifted me with a limited edition travel set from Chanel. I loved it of course! It was perfectly packaged in a small handy black pouch, and again, the brushes were made from real animal hair. Even Berry loved it when I pretend to put makeup on her, because she liked the feel of the soft brushes on her lids and cheeks. Such a girly girl!

Now, here's the deal, it's a travel set, so the brushes are limited, but yet, I used it on a daily basis. So it was my lucky day when Ecat and Tifany of Dashe Cosmetics sent me a 12 piece set of Dashe makeup brushes for me to try.

Ecat said that Dashe is a local brand of makeup brushes, but everything is custom made in Korea. Plus plus! Dashe only uses high quality animal hair for all of their brushes. True enough, when I giddily opened the package, the brushes were really well-made and the hair, actually comparable to my Chanel ones! Here's a side by side (Dashe on the left, Chanel on the right):

Foundation brushes

Powder brushes

Eye Shadow brushes

Blending brushes

I honestly cannot say there is a big difference in using Dashe vs. Chanel. They feel practically the same, and work equally as well. One may argue that since I am not a makeup professional, I really wouldn't be able to make an objective assessment, but apparently, the line makes great starter sets for budding makeup artists. Which is good enough for me!

According to Ecat, they supply some makeup schools like Lasalle International's makeup department and the Australian College of Hair Design and Beauty. With Dashe's high quality, reasonably priced brush sets, the line is perfect for girls like me who don't want to splurge while still experimenting with makeup.

Dashe makeup brushes are also available at First Aid Greenbelt Makati, PCX Rockwell Powerplant and PCX Alabang Town center.

Here are more brushes from Dashe:

Powder and contour brush set in coral (also comes in purple)

6 piece Zebra pink set

12 piece set (this is what I have - MFO)

17 piece set

21 piece set

30 piece set

Tool belt set

Dashe also carries unbranded make up palettes from the US and a few Ben Nye items. For prices, inquiries, or more information visit Dashe on Multiply and Facebook!

16 Weeks: Red, White & Blue

2012-02-05T23:36:00.000-08:00

I am supposed to be staying at home, taking it easy, but I was craving for cobb salad and when Dada suggested we have lunch at Texas Roadhouse Grill, I was game of course! Hee! Here's my lazy weekend outfit, at 16 weeks:

J Brand boyfriend jeans, Façonnable red & white striped top, navy espadrilles - a pasalubong from my friend Sarj when she went to Barcelona 2 or 3 years ago

Paired it with this navy & red Nixon watch from Segnatempo and my navy & gold croc Vita Fede bangle

Band Of Outsiders x Sperry Top-Sider At Secret Fresh

2012-02-04T01:03:00.000-08:00

Here's one more great reason to visit Ronac Art Center today, February 4!

Our guys now have the chance to get a taste of the runway action (of the Band of Outsiders variety) courtesy of Sperry Top-Sider. Today, Sperry released a fresh new batch of boat shoes designed by Scott Sternberg of Band of Outsiders, available exclusively in Manila at Secret Fresh, Ronac Art Center.

But before I show you my picks from the line-up, here are some outfit ideas for da boys straight out of the Band of Outsiders season presentations/runway shows!

From S/S 2010

From S/S 2011

From F/W 2011

From S/S 2012

See, even Scott himself wears Sperrys!

How versatile diba? With these pegs as inspiration, here's the latest Band of Outsiders for Sperry Top-Sider collection that features a variety of classic boat shoe styles featuring suede and wool materials. Check this out, yo!

Pretty cool diba? The Band of Outsiders for Sperry Top-Sider Collection is exclusively available in Secret Fresh at Ronac Art Center, starting NOW na!

As someone who personally wears Sperry Top-Siders, I am telling you, I can vouch for this, the man/men in your life (dad, bro, beau) will thank you if you get a pair or two of these for them! So comfy and goes with everything! Now if only Scott will come out with a Sperry x Boy or Girl by Band of Outsiders line! For the girls flease!

The full Sperry Top-Sider line is available at the Sperry Top-Sider store in Trinoma mall. Sperry Top-Sider is also available in Shoe Salon, HideOut in Greenbelt 5, Complex Lifestyle Stores in Eastwood Mall, Ayala Town Center, Ayala Center Cebu, Rustans and select department stores.

Visit facebook.com/sperrytopsiderph for constant updates!

Diane von Furstenberg for GapKids & babyGap Spring 2012

2012-02-03T00:54:00.000-08:00

After Stella McCartney comes Diane von Furstenberg for GapKids and babyGap this Spring 2012!

Diane von Furstenberg's first collection for GapKids and babyGap for Spring 2012 is for girls from newborn to age 14, and will be available exclusively in Gap Shangri-La Plaza and Gap Bonifacio High Street this March.

Little girls will get a mini dose of DVF's iconic prints, signature silhouettes and bold color palette. Expect wrap-dresses of course, as well as easy t-shirt dresses, tanks and shorts, capris, leggings and swimwear. Accessories include sunglasses, espadrilles and sandals.

An exclusive Gap DVF motif appears on flip-flops, ballet pumps, jersey tanks, leggings, sun-hats, beach bags, sunglasses and hi-top sneakers, as well as the lining of one of the star pieces - a navy stripe seersucker blazer, customized with a "Diane von Furstenberg" crest and badges calling out "DVF Gap" and Diane's personal mantra "Love is Life."

Gap is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Casual Clothing Specialists, Inc. (CCSI), a subsidiary of Stores Specialists, Inc. and is available at SM Mall of Asia, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, TriNoMa Mall, Glorietta 4, Bonifacio High Street, Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall, Robinsons Place Manila and Abreeza Mall in Davao.

Sleep Better With Snuza

2012-02-02T01:44:00.006-08:00

It has only been almost 3 years since I last gave birth, but baby monitoring technology has become so much more advanced. Actually, during Berry's time, I had an internal baby monitoring system - i.e. I would wake up every so often just to check if Berry was awake, wanted milk, or was not covered by beddings.

Lucky for my friend Sheryl Laudico, she chanced upon Snuza, a wireless baby movement monitoring device that was designed to give parents a good night's sleep.

By clipping a Snuza Mobile Baby Movement Monitor to your baby's diaper, Snuza will detect the slightest movement during sleep, and alert you if movement stops.

According to Sheryl, once she started using Snuza, her sleepless nights became a thing of the past. She loved it so much, she felt other parents would benefit from Snuza too, so she inquired with the manufacturer and became the Philippine distributor. How's that for seeing opportunity in sleepless misery?

There are two types of Snuza: Snuza Go is Php4,989 and Snuza Halo is P6,189. Snuza Go! provides the same mobility and ease-of-use as Halo but does not incorporate the rousing vibration function.

For more of Snuza's features, read here:

Monitors your baby’s movements, even the slightest breathing movement
Shows you the movement through blinking green lights and if the movement stops, the light turns red and an alarm is sounded
Simply clip onto your baby’s diaper and switch on
Sounds an alarm if movement stops
No cords, wires, pads or external power required – Snuza can go anywhere with baby
Can be used with co-sleeping twins and multiples
Can be used in conjunction with any sound or video monitor, if required
User-replaceable battery for extended use
Suitable for use even with premature babies

Obvs, Snuza will be in our "To Buy" list this time around!

To all new moms & dads, expecting moms & dads and your family and friends, Snuza will be available sometime this month in Mothercare High Street.

For inquiries, more info or to place an order, you may contact Sheryl at +63.917.556.0612 or visit Snuza Philippines on Facebook.

The 10 Day Rootote Sale!

2012-02-02T00:29:00.000-08:00

WHEN: February 1-10, 2012

Additional 10% off on all SALE bags.

Buy 1 REGULAR bag and get 15% off.

Buy 2 REGULAR bags and get 30% off.

Shop HERE!

Studio SnR x Bobbi Brown

2012-02-02T00:21:00.000-08:00

Beauty and Tea come together once more, from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm this Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Studio SnR.

It's Bobbi Brown take 2 and this time, it's with Serenitea!

Master the basics of makeup application, this time using Bobbi Brown's Spring/Summer collection! And of course, bring home Bobbi Brown swag bags as well!

For more details, visit studiosnr.wordpress.com and add Studio SnR Workshops on Facebook to stay updated on new events. You may also reach them at +632 584 5988.

Piecing Together

2012-02-01T20:54:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much for all your sweet comments about Berry's attempt at styling! While Berry has a future as a stylist, the little girl needs more training in taking photos, heehee. She offered, no insisted to take this photo when we met up with our friends Bel & Karen, who were in town for the holidays. She looked so serious taking the photo, then showed us my phone as if to ask us if we liked it. All three of us started giggling when we saw this:

Thankfully, Berry's Nana was there to take this photo for posterity:

It was great seeing you Bel & Karen! Let's do this again when you are back in town! Berry, your efforts are still much appreciated of course! We love you!

Pregnancy Style Tip: For pregnant women looking for non-maternity clothes that you can wear after giving birth, I find the Athena tunic dress from Cole Vintage (also available online at Chicify) to be a great first trimester dress. It's slimming but with enough room for a growing bump! Wore mine with sandals from K.Jacques, Chloe sunnies, necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane, Fallon cuff, and Celine tote. And a supot of Hizon's ensaymada. Hee!

Tunic dresses are so presko and when the Little One finally comes out, they're a great beach cover-up or a lazy weekend/errands dress that you can just throw on and pair with sandals and sunnies. Effortless diba?

The Daley News: MFO Talks to Marga Nazareno of Daley

2012-02-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

I am a bit obsessed with Daley tees these days, they're just the softest, slouchiest tees that look great by themselves (with bottoms of course) or semi-untucked and worn with a blazer. Emmanuelle Alt would so approve! I had to ask Marga of Daley to tell us more about their homegrown brand of tees.

Daley tee with front pocket in navy (photo by Don Yap)

I love your shirts! Very T by Alexander Wang! I love how I can just throw them on with jeans, slim cargos or whatever, and not look like I am wearing just any boring tee! How did you and your business partner Andrew come about with your concept?

Marga: I've always really wanted to come up with a basic apparel brand that carried nothing but 'season-less' basic pieces -- just stuff you want to wear over and over and wear with everything. I guess this is a reflection of my taste and personal style as well. I love women who always look classic and timeless and only use trends to punctuate their looks. And there really seems to be a gap in the Manila fashion scene for something like Daley. A lot of the young brands just do trendy stuff and all the high-street brands do all the trendy stuff as well. But women are never going to tire of basic pieces so it's nice to have access to a brand that specializes in that.

Andrew, on the other hand, is simply interested in dabbling in all sorts of businesses and the idea of setting up brand. Thats his strength. So when i was floating the idea by him, he felt like it would be a good opportunity. So he basically runs the show on the business side of things and it helps that his aesthetic is a male version of mine :)

When did you start Daley?

Marga: We started the brand in September 2010, and Daley just happens to be our idea of what a good basic piece should look like -- something that hangs a little bit loose and just drapes the body. The colors tend to be neutral as well because the idea is really that you should be able to use the piece as a blank canvas. And of course the core of the brand is our tanks and tees -- it's really the first thing women are gonna need to build their wardrobes.

It took us about a year to set this all up because we were having a hard time looking for the right supplier. 90% of what makes a Daley shirt a Daley shirt is the fabric so if we don't get that right, the fit just doesn't turn out right either.

I agree. Your shirts just have the right, slouchy feel to it, without looking sloppy! And I have all the basic colors and cuts, but I can't seem to have enough. Something so basic but so covetable! What's your inspiration?

Marga: In terms of designs, our core styles are always available. So you should always be able to get a tank or a tee in black or white. I think that's just the beauty of being a basic apparel brand. We try to introduce a new color every so often for our tank and tees, but always in keeping with the Daley aesthetic. But in terms of the rest of the styles, the clothes are really just inspired by what I would want to wear or see other women wearing. And since we're a basic apparel brand, I think a lot about what building blocks women would need in their wardrobes and pieces that would look good with certain outfits. And a lot of the time, the clothes are really just inspired by the fabrics. So we tend to start with the fabrics first.

Where else to find your shirts?

Marga: Right now, Daley is available at the Rockwell bazaars, Catalogue63, and at shopdaley.multiply.com

Pink Berry

2012-01-31T20:33:00.000-08:00

Gingham top from Levi's Girls from Aunt Melissa of Levi's, pink denims from Joe Fresh,
gold mary janes from Tip Toey Joey

Berry's favorite color is pink, and so it was not a surprise when she thought of putting this outfit together. I would not have dared for her to go all pink, but she styles herself now, and decided this top and jeans should go together, and it looked cute!

Dragon Dychiao at 15 Weeks

2012-01-30T19:21:00.000-08:00

Of course, a rundown of my pregnancy outfit: Zara top, J.Crew trousers, Anthology Beas in Leopard

Thank you to everyone checking up on me, noticing the spare postings in the blog. I am fine, albeit still nauseous and perpetually hungry and never feeling full these days. It's like I can't decide if I want to eat or puke. It's been 15 weeks, but I am not yet totally over the first trimester hump, heehee.

Say hello to Dragon Dychiao, I hope you shower this Little One with the same love and affection you have all showed Berry. Berry is so excited to be an atchi/big sister, and she can't decide if she wants a little brother or a little sister. I think like us, she would be happy either way. This Little One is a blessing, as we have been praying to God to bless us with another happy, healthy baby. I am also praying for the nausea and all to go away. I just want to be able to eat a really hearty meal without fear of puking or heartburn.

On another note, I haven't been window shopping, shopping surfing or doing any bit of shopping. Which is good news for Dada, but bad news for the blog! No eye candy to share! Hahaha!

Please bear with me, I will get back into the groove of things shortly. I have lots of people and companies to thank, product and restaurant reviews to share, shopping news (Alexis Bittar coming out with a bridge line, oooh!), wardrobe ideas, and so much more.

And did I mention we moved back to Manila? For good! So yes, we've come back full circle.

Manila Fashion Observer is finally back home!

And The Winners of Catalogue63's Giveaway Are...

2012-01-26T19:06:00.000-08:00

Parker tee in black - NINA MORFE

Square tee in white - JO CRISOSTOMO REYES

Boxy tee in gray stripe - MA. CECILIA LI

Congratulatons ladies, your names were randomly picked out by the ladies of Catalogue63! Catalogue63 will contact you via FB/Twitter to arrange the shipment of your prize to you!

Hair Pampering Day with Dessange

2012-01-25T00:16:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, I was invited by Rustan's to a "hair pampering day" hosted by Dessange International, a French beauty line, at Emphasis in Rockwell. After years of living abroad and not having a real treat at the salon, save for hair cuts, I thought it came at the right time! Plus you know me, anything French, I already like, haha!

Now, since we are expecting Baby #2 aka Dragon Dychiao (it's just a nickname until we find out the gender, heehee), I was also worried about using harsh chemicals on my hair. Thankfully, Christopher Picault of Dessange was flown in to personally talk to invited guests about their products and was there to recommend the right products for me to use.

Turns out I cannot use Phytodess, their hair & scalp treatment line that contains zinc.

But Monsieur Picault recommended that I use these - Creme de Palme once a week after I give birth, and any of their shampoos like Bamboo, Ylang-Ylang or Vitamin C for daily use, given that hormones can really take a toll on a pregnant woman's hair.

I ended up using products from their amber-scented premium line, Dessange Paris, which includes Black Pearl Resides with its fortifying, remineralizing, and anti-aging virtues. Now I have to tell you, my hair has been limp and lacking luster these days, a result of pregnancy hormones again, according to Monsieur Picault. So he suggested using Dessange Paris nourishing shampoo, applied on dry hair & scalp and massaged thoroughly, followed by a mask specifically targeted to moisturize dry hair. He said that what makes the mask special is that it is activated by humidity. Wow, for once, humidity is not an enemy!

I don't have photos to show, but trust me when I say my hair looked a lot better after the treatment. It felt silky for a change, and with a bit of blow-drying transformed my limp locks into a polished bob. Now, if only I can go to the salon everyday!

Oh, and before I forget, there's also the youthful Camille Alban line, also from Dessange International, which infuses fruits like fig, pomegranate, orange with other natural ingredients like honey, argan oil and henna to create products that are as effective for the hair as they sound yummy divine.

Dessange Paris, Phytodess and Camille Alban from Dessange International are available exclusively at Rustan's.

NOW OPEN! GKonomics Design Lab and Showroom

2012-01-24T01:15:00.000-08:00

Right on the third floor of the Gawad Kalinga Pinagsama center in Brgy. Pinagsama, Taguig is the GKonomics Design Lab and Showroom, a showcase of all the products that various Gawad Kalinga communities across the country produce as part of their livelihood training. After all, with dignified homes come the need to empower and help the community become self-sustaining. By providing GK residents with marketable skills, and teaching them good business practices, GKonomics hopes to pave the way to economic independence and wealth creation in all GK communities.

According to Divine Duran, who is the communications director of GKonomics, "Our mantra is, with every product, we share a story and with every purchase, a purpose." Given such a noble cause we of course accepted her invitation to attend the launch of their first ever showroom. With Ate Divine's cousin Nina, who is one of my bestest friends, we trooped over to Taguig, and braved three flights of stairs despite our bulging bellies i.e. Yes! We are both expecting Dragon babies! *Cue fire breathing here, hahaha!*

Here I am pregnant at 14 weeks, my BFF Nina at almost 6 months!

Divine Duran, Communications Director with Marivic Poblador-Pineda, Product Development Director, GKonomics

The launch was graced by Tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga, interior designer Ivy Almario who designed the GKonomics showroom, Archie King & Bobby Rodrigo

If you are looking for souvenir items for a wedding or a party, unique and meaningful gifts to give to friends who have everything, or pasalubong from back home, then it's worth a trek to visit the Showroom and Design Lab. Apart from being able to buy what's on display, you may have items custom made to your taste or color motif, place wholesale/bulk orders in advance, or just visit to check out the interesting products they have on display.

Like these baskets, totes and hats made from "Bankuan", a local material sourced by a GK community in Camarines Sur:

This slouchy Bankuan bag is my favorite, and I can imagine Japanese ladies loving these! They do like straw totes!

Totes, wallets, tissue box holders and iPad cases made from Zesto doy packs. These are made by residents of GK Sunshineville with the support of Maraming Bayani Foundation who provides the community with the raw materials used to create these products. I have seen these around in New York and Singapore actually!

Capiz products by GK Sta. Rita in Las Pinas. I remember Ate Divine's brother Angelo gave capiz tealight candle holders as giveaways for his wedding a few years ago. They also had these lighted and put on display right on the guest tables. Very pretty!

This sparkly evening clutch is made from...guess what?! A discarded video tape! How amazing is that?

Then there are candles galore in all shapes and sizes. Some of the pieces are quite funny, like the mini lechons! Hahaha!

Then there are Assumption Iloilo Cookbooks available for Php600 a piece. Proceeds from the cookbook sales are used to build homes for the less fortunate through a partnership with Gawad Kalinga.

This Hope box made from Pandan leaves are made by the weavers of Dr. Rafael San Agustin Legacy Village in San Carlos, Negros Occidental. The calados from the emblem and bookmark was learned from the Spaniards and adapted by Filipino woodworkers.

Products made from indigenous fabrics and weaves made in partnership with Randy Ortiz and GK Sulu as part of their social artisty program.

The totes above are partly made from inverted tarpaulin actually! Here's the reverse, it used to be a Mighty Bond billboard ad:

Bags, clutches and coin purses made from colored plastic bags:

The gift boxes for Theo and Philo chocolates are made by residents of GK Pangil in Laguna. If you are looking for makers of pretty gift boxes, GK Pangil could probably make some for you too!

More than just pretty and practical gift items, there are interesting finds in the showroom as well. Such as this Monobloc chair cover! It really adds character to a nondescript plastic chair, especially a scuffed and battle scarred chair that has been around for years:

Then there's the Kawayan Tech bike made by residents of GKonomics communities who are trained in bike making. You can actually custom-order these bikes at the showroom and have your bike come in the colors of your choice. Although I would prefer seeing the natural beauty of the kawayan actually.

There's actually a lot more to discover in the showroom, and everyone is invited to drop by, say hello, shop and share ideas! Congratulations to Mr. Tony Meloto, his team of Gkonomics ladies who are all women not only of leisure but also of substance, and most especially the GK communities! May the Gkonomics Showroom and Design Lab continue to be an incubator of great things discover, create, and share with the world!

The Gkonomics Design Lab and Showroom accepts customized orders for company events and special occasions, including individual purchases and bulk orders from local and international organizations.

Where to Find:
3/F GK Brgy. Pinagsama (inside green gate)
Western Bicutan, Taguig City
(Go past Maria Reyna de los Apostoles Church)

GKonomics products are also available at the following stores:

Echo Store - Serendra Branch

SM Kultura - Megamall, North Edsa, Mall of Asia, Makati,

Mananzan Handicrafts - Intramuros.

You may shop online through gkonomics.shopinas.com and the products will be delivered to you via Air21. GKonomics can deliver in the Ortigas, Mandaluyong, and Makati areas with a delivery charge of P50 only.

You may also place your orders through Thess Barrameda, Sales and Distribution Coordinator at mobile number: 09064127014. The products can be sent through the regular courier system but corresponding charges will apply.

Catalogue63's And Apparel Tees Giveaway!

2012-01-18T06:30:00.000-08:00

Parker tee in black

Square tee in white

Boxy tee in gray stripe

The T-shirt is a wardrobe staple that we all should have piles of in our closets. It's the perfect thing to throw around when you really don't want to think about what to wear. It can be dressed up with a sequin skirt, or worn the way it was meant to be, as a basic piece paired with shorts, leggings or jeans during lazy days.

Of course, t-shirts acquire an edge of its own when they don't look like the typical basic tee, like And Apparel's drapey, edgy pieces! Best of all, Catalogue63 is giving away 3 tees to 3 MFO readers! All you have to do is:

1) Choose which one of the 3 shirts above you would like to win

2) Like Catalogue 63 on Facebook

3) On the picture of the shirt you like from THIS ALBUM, leave a comment sharing what you like about the shirt. This equals one entry.

4) Follow @catalogue63 on Twitter for an additional entry and tweet @Catalogue63 which shirt you would like to win. Facebook like + following @Catalogue63 on Twitter = 2 entries (Contestants must like Catalogue63 on FB, not just follow them on Twitter, to be eligible to win)

5) Promo ends at 9 pm of January 25, the last day of the giveaway period

6) Three winners will be picked randomly (raffle) – one winner for each shirt

7) Winners will be announced through MFO a day or 2 days after the end of the giveaway period

8) Catalogue 63 contact the winners through FB and Twitter after they are announced to arrange shipment of their prize to them

NOTE: Winners must be based in the Philippines.